Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
Charles M. Bell
Charles M. Bell was born in El Monte, Los Angeles County, California, February 22, 1862. His
parents were William C. and Rebecca A. (Fears) Bell (whose history will be found in this volume).
Mr. Bell�s life thus far has been spent in his native place, and his education was obtained in the
public schools. Early in life he entered the general merchandise store of L. Melzer at El Monte,
as clerk. He was with him for about four years and then entered the employ of Thomas McLain,
in the same capacity, and was with him for five years. During these years young Bell worked hard,
attending school as opportunity afforded, and became a thorough master of his business as a
general merchandise dealer. In 1882 he formed a partnership with John T. Haddox, under the firm
name of Bell & Haddox, and established a store in El Monte. This enterprise was successfully
conducted until 1885, when Mr. Haddox sold his interest in the business to Mr. Langstadter. Since
that date the business has been conducted under the firm name of Bell & Langstadter. They have
one of the best appointed stores to be found in their section, carrying a stock that their long
experience has taught will best meet the demands of their patrons. They are also dealing in real
estate and have the agencies for some of the well-known and most reliable insurance companies
doing business in the county. Mr. Bell has been successful in his enterprises and this result has
been secured by a thorough knowledge of his business, combined with a straightforward dealing
that has gained the respect of the community in which he has spent his life. He is a progressive
citizen, taking an interest in the development of his section, and is a strong believer in the future
prosperity of the San Gabriel Valley. In political matters he is a Democrat, and a worker in the
ranks of his party. He has served several times as a delegate in the county conventions, and is
now a member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Committee. He is a member and Master
of Lexington Lodge, No. 104, F. & A.M., of El Monte. In 1885 Mr. Bell married Miss Sallie R.
Kimbell, a native of California. Mrs. Bell�s parents were Albert G. and Sarah C. (Gleaves) Kimbell,
1851. They are now residing in Los Angeles County. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have one child, Mary G.
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California � Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889, Page 381 - Transcribed by Pat Houser, April 3, 2006